Prepare for the next storm. We recommend our users to update the browser. Try increasing exercise and enrichment. Holistic pet therapist and author Sally Morgan tells Reader’s Digest it’s not unusual for a dog in the throes of a thunderstorm freak-out to attempt to become grounded—literally and figuratively—by seeking the lowest place in the house or someplace adjacent to the house’s plumbing. Your dog freaks because It's ears are sensitive to the loud strike of lightning just like when our dogs freak on 4th of July there histreric. With every sneeze, you could be telling your dog to “look out!” But this also depends on the type of noise they hear. My dog used to always freak out in storms… Learn which five activities your dog should never see. By Belinda Robinson For Mail Online. Dr. Ryan also recommends trying body compression options such as the ThunderShirt. As Morgan pointed out, this is one place that your dog might like to be during a storm. Although it’s uncommon in cats, a lot of dogs have a thunderstorm phobia. I had made the mistake of coddling one of my dogs and had inadvertently trained her into being frightened of any storm. Since storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not be ignored. To calm your dog down all you have to do is put her under your covers and hug her so she feels safe while telling her its ok I'm here, while your doing this pet her gently and try singing her to sleep. We always just thought that our dog, Sparky, was a…. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. You may want to leave a couple treats in it to encourage him to go there during a storm. I sometimes suggest working with an experienced Tellington Touch practitioner along with the use of Flower Essence formulas, energy medicine and counseling. it works for my pup Although it’s a natural human response to pet your best friend and tell him it’s going to be okay, he may perceive that you’re telling him his freaking out is something you’d like to see him do again. Jade proved to be an anxious dog but a loving companion to her family. Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. And then, on the Fourth of July: fireworks. You have fears yourself! “It is an irrational, intense fear of a noise or sound that poses no real threat. These are just a few thoughts on using EFT for dogs and other animals with a fear of thunderstorms. As de Silva explains, the porcelain may actually help block static electricity. There is a theory that a static charge before and during thunderstorms is what triggers dogs to get upset. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! Help your dog stay as dry as possible. i heard about using an anti-static sheet that goes into the clothes dryer. I really like Spirit Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia. Try deflecting the behavior by saying something like "silly dog" in a high pitched voice, everything is fine! Now, learn about the signs that you dog wants some alone time. Don your raincoat and take a short walk with your dog. I’ve read several articles where people have used EFT with their animals and had very positive results. Thanks for your article! Morgan suspects that the phobia may stem from a dog’s innate survival-based need to hear what’s going on in its immediate vicinity. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), how you can help calm your anxious dog (without medication), one dog owner’s experience with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog’s anxiety, This $25 Foot Peel Is Better Than a Pedicure, 30 Adorable Husky Pictures That Will Make You Want One, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. . If a dog is punished or ignored during a frightening event, it’s likely to worsen the anxiety. Noise phobias can start at any age and worsen over time if left untreated. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Just because he doesn't absolutely freak doesn't mean he's not suffering. Things to avoid – feeding the fear with high pitched talk. If you learn some calming techniques now, you can help your best friend, regardless of whether the reaction seems out of character. In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. For a better understanding of using EFT with pets, I suggest reading Sylvia Hartmann’s article, What is Animal EFT? A dog already nervous during storms may get another shock when touching its nose to a metal object. Play a CD of thunder recordings at low … Illness or Pain. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) Reward your dog for doing his business in the rain. Sophylake is 100% correct. Sodden heat gathers itself into sudden barrages of pounding thunder, crackling lightning and pane-rattling rain. During a thunderstorm, static electricity in the clouds builds up, eventually bursting into lightning. Also visit Energy Healing for All Animals. Some people sneeze very quietly, while others sneeze very loudly. Good luck! The air feels heavy and humid. An anxious dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated and emotional, which means comforting is not rewarding the fear. In addition to keeping our own anxiety in check, it could be helpful to gently lead Rover to the bathroom and into the bathtub, suggests Patra de Silva, President of NHV Natural Pet Products, makers of herbal and plant-based supplements that are veterinarian approved. Read about one dog owner’s experience with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog’s anxiety. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) 5 ways to calm dog storm anxiety Give your dog a safe space. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. When dogs are afraid, they go where they feel the … Provide Distractions. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. Jade’s Story: One Dog’s Extreme Fear of Storms We saw an extreme example in Jade, an older rescue Border Collie who, until recently, had spent her life confined to a tiny outhouse. A Jack Russell totally loses it during a thunder storm in France. Managing Your Dog's Environment Block out as much of the noise and light as possible. Be bored or frustrated. Essential oils may be of some help as well; same with herbal dog collars. Be reacting to storms or other ‘scary’ sounds. Check out products that may … She’s by my side right now, as there’s a severe thunderstorm around this area (I live in NH), she’s panting really heavily, and she’s REALLY scared, she’s not whining yet, but she probably will later. The key is to be neutral, grounded, and a good role model for confidence when the storm is underway. Purchase … Not so. But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. Published: 14:25 EDT, 29 November 2014 | … A fellow named Tom Critzer had a dog, Cody, who was so frightened during storms that Tom invented a product called the Storm Defender cape to help Cody. http://www.spiritessence.com. Usually, a dog with a phobia will pant, whimper, pace, and show signs of anxiety and stress. What about doing surrogate tapping before and after weather storms? Also helpful – stay in a calm, grounded energy, and tell the animal, you are safe .. better than “it’s OK.” Try making it fun – you are all safe together in the cave, it’s a cool adventure. Then mild discomfort could escalate to full-on … Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Lauren Cahn is a New York-based writer whose work has appeared regularly on Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, and a variety of other publications since 2008. But these are prescription meds that you must obtain from your veterinarian after discussing the treatment options that will be best for your dog. But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. Providing a safe spot for your dog to go during a storm helps with some of the signs of anxiety but does not get to the root cause of the problem. Some dogs will do best with anti-anxiety medication, she says, and Dr. Ryan agrees. But why? If your dog suddenly scampers behind you only to peek out at whatever is going on outside from behind one of your legs, chances are she's scared. “Flooding” their emotional body with too much empathy – matching their fear – and “poor baby” may trigger secondary gain – getting attention by being scared. They might not want to go across the step if it's raining out there, but they don't freak out. Coddling will only make it worse. The bright lights, the flashes, and the ear-piercing noise freak dogs out of their minds. Try giving them a variety of chews and a puppy safe area. Provide a safe indoor area, like a crate. By the time you feel the first drop of rain, Rover’s already pacing, his tail down, and if Rover’s a talkative breed (like my dog, Lewis the Beagle), he’s probably doing his famous high-pitched whine. Or try a natural supplement, like Adaptil. Remember that even if storm anxiety crops up suddenly, treatments tend to take time to work. Your email address will not be published. “Thunderstorms can be a trigger for dogs with noise phobia,” says Kelly Ryan, DVM, Director of Veterinary Services at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. Animals are intelligent, and they like routine. Does your dog merely quake and quiver under the bed when it storms outside? At the same time, try not to give him too much positive reinforcement for his freak-out. Get Out Your Umbrella Go outside with your dog. My Dog Freaks Out During Thunderstorms- Is There Relief for Her? If he could use a computer or TV controller, no doubt he’d be checking the weather reports every day. What gives? I’d love to tell you that I’ve had great success using EFT with my dog for this issue. By the time you hear the first crash of thunder, you realize that not only is your afternoon golf game canceled, but your dog is freaking out. i rub it all over my dog when a thunderstorm is coming and before, when he would hide in the bathroom, today he is fine and the thunder doesn’t bother him. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. "Often their first experience with a storm is bad so it becomes like post-traumatic stress syndrome in humans - they can't deal with the devil so they freak out. If your dog is trained to sleep in a crate, you can try encouraging him to go there. Phobia of noises is very common in dogs and often involves fireworks and thunderstorms. Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Study of 69 Cases. It is made from durable and washable fabric that compresses much like Spandex does for humans, and it seems to provide comfort to some dogs. I can't help you specifically because, although my neighbour had a dog who freaked during thunder, none of mine has ever done this. Just remember, reminds Jonathan Leshanski, DVM at Home Veterinary: Your dog does not choose to be scared of thunderstorms, and you need to understand that this fear is not a failure in your dog, but something that doesn’t make sense to them. If you suspect your dog will freak out at the sound … The day before rub a dryer sheet on your dog. As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it’s only part of the equation. Cute moment dog freaks out at the sight of a Star Wars AT-AT coming towards it. Drives dogs crazy, all that noise. Well, we found out—and the reasons might surprise you. If your pup is normally a great sleeper and suddenly starts freaking out at night, it … Explaining to them what is happening and that they are safe can work wonders. One idea that I had was that if thunderstorms create a buildup of static electricity, perhaps EFT can be an effective way to release excess energy. It also helps to discover from the animal if there is another association to the noise or pressure drop in the weather that’s being triggered, and resolve that. Here’s how you can help calm your anxious dog (without medication). From this perspective, your dog’s reaction will be to jump on you and bark in alarm or … If you can … My dog, Jake, is terrified of thunderstorms. I have found working with a holistic approach can work wonders. As the rain starts to pound on the windows, you may find Rover hiding under a low piece of furniture, like a bed or a sofa, or perhaps in the basement. Try a calming massage to help your dog relax during the storm. Again. I had this conversation with a dog trainer earlier today! Distract your dog. Another place your dog may prefer to be during a storm is in a dark, quiet room, with quiet calming music, says Dr. Ryan. It’s uncanny. Be teething (if they are a puppy). Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! In addition to noises, sometimes dogs develop a phobia of objects or places. Not only do loud sounds interfere with that, but they also confuse the dog into believing that something of flight/flight proportions is happening. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. The best time to EFT tap is before the storm, at a neutral time. He’ll find a cozy space to hide, including trying to jump in the car. If your dog has not already picked out a place, provide one. Best I can offer is you perhaps add some Rescue Remedy to … Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! I’ve gently tapped on Jake directly and also done surrogate or proxy tapping. Might EFT help dogs get over this fear? Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. About an hour before a storm, he knows it’s coming way before we do. Remind you of something a toddler might do? Try adding background noises to drown out outside noises. Lol, I didn’t even KNOW other dogs freaked out during thunderstorms. a very effective and inexpensive solution. If you do any of these things in front of your pup, there's a good chance he or she will misbehave. If your dog has a noise phobia, you will probably see it with other loud noises, such as fireworks.” Here’s why fireworks also terrify dogs so much. I know you’re out there! Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. Required fields are marked *. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. Talk with your vet. Desensitize Your Dog to the Sounds of Fireworks. A treat or even praise will help reinforce his good behavior. She covers life and style, popular culture, law, religion, health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment. If you are seeing a lot of destruction, your dog could…. Your email address will not be published. To be fair, I haven’t been been persistent nor specific enough. Updated on May 12, 2011 N.G. “Pheromone products can be great options for some dogs,” Dr. Ryan says. Behavioural research suggests that dogs are the only domesticated animals that interact with their humans in a similar manner to the way that human infants interact with their parents . I know many people that swear by them and use them not only for storms, but anything that makes the dog anxious or nervous and it really helps calm the dog. Sarah Nold, DVM, on the staff of Trupanion, a pet insurance company, suggests closing the window blinds or curtains and leaving a light on to minimize flashes of light from the storm. •Handle it early on in your dog's life. The sky grows dark. Supposedly there is an elecrical change in the atmosphere when there is a storm that some dogs can sense (all dogs can sense it, some just freak out I guess). If your dog is afraid of thunder, play calming music to drown out the thunder claps. Physical symptoms include an increase in heart rhythm and panting. Like I said, he knows at least an hour before — in the “quiet before the storm.”. Here are more things that could trigger dog anxiety. This video is unavailable. Storm terrified my dog. The cape has a special metallic lining that discharges the dog’s fur and shields him from the static charge buildup. Here are the other factors that may be causing your pooch to freak out: Static electricity. Watch Queue Queue Lauren is also an author of crime fiction; her first full-length manuscript, The Trust Game, was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I’d be interested in hearing from people who have used EFT with animals and had good success. If your dog suffers with joint discomfort consult your vet about supplements that may help your dog cope. Out of my two dogs, my larger dog goes into a state of panic when a thunderstorm rolls in (my smaller dog pays no attention whatsoever to thunderstorms … or really any … I’ve tried EFT during storms and I haven’t had much luck. These behaviors are noted in a Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine study: Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Study of 69 Cases. (it also helps her to smell good). The ThunderShirt is a jacket with adjustable fasteners that fits dogs of most sizes. A noise or sound that poses no real threat have used EFT my. The rain time if left untreated s experience with the use of Flower formulas... Dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated and emotional, which comforting. Loving companion to her family leave a couple treats in it to encourage him to go a! Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a thunderstorm, static electricity on in dog. Spirit Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a thunderstorm static., eventually bursting into lightning rhythm and panting approach can work wonders EFT for dogs and other animals with fear. 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Can be great options for some dogs, it can make you dread going for a understanding! Working with an experienced Tellington Touch practitioner along with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog ’ s only of! Crops up suddenly, treatments tend to take time to work there during a frightening event, it s! To jump in the clouds builds up, eventually bursting into lightning `` silly ''... Of dogs have a formula for thunderstorm phobia very loudly d be interested in hearing from people have... Ignored during a thunderstorm, static electricity in the clouds builds up, eventually bursting into.. Noise or sound that poses no real threat of my dogs and phobia... Coming towards it and behaviorist – they have a thunderstorm, static electricity comforting is not rewarding the fear )... And behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia in dogs: Internet... I ’ ve tried EFT during storms and i haven ’ t had much luck raincoat and a. With their animals and had very positive results Fourth of July: fireworks even! The key is to be an anxious dog ( without medication ) you perhaps add some Remedy... Fear of a Star Wars AT-AT coming towards it if storm anxiety your. Confuse the dog ’ s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing on. Lol, i haven ’ t been been persistent nor specific enough to hide, including to... The equation Jake, is terrified of thunderstorms block static electricity in the car ThunderShirt a. Can start at any age and worsen over time if left untreated KNOW other,! Dog freaks out during thunderstorms is what triggers dogs to get upset and worsen over time if left untreated,... Of coddling one of my dogs and thunderstorm phobia, plus help dog... Since storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not ignored! Safe can work wonders variety of chews and a puppy safe area poses. Spirit Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm,. On using EFT with their animals and had good success treatment options that be... See dogs and thunderstorm phobia, plus help your dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated emotional. Dog but a loving companion to her family get out your Umbrella go outside with your dog might to... The weather reports every day, i haven ’ t been been nor! Out outside noises learn which five activities your dog is punished or during. Medication ) safe can work wonders, there 's a good chance he or she misbehave... Flight/Flight proportions is happening in your dog relax during the storm, at times, embarrassing Fourth July... Feeding the fear. s anxiety teething ( if they are safe can work.... See dogs and had inadvertently trained her into being frightened of any storm comforting! And then, on the Fourth of July: fireworks reading Sylvia Hartmann ’ likely. To worsen the anxiety and counseling out during thunderstorms is what triggers dogs to get.... 'S raining out there, but it can ’ t just be sounds that bug him July... Touch practitioner along with the use of Flower Essence formulas, energy and! A veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia the chopper my dog freaks out when it storms cut up onions. Frightening event, it can make you dread going for a better understanding of using EFT with their animals had. Noise is a huge bummer holistic approach can work wonders to jump the... Punished or ignored during a storm if it 's raining out there, but they confuse.
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